The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class J. C. McClaren (ASN: 34192938), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 325th Glider Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 9 June 1944, near ****, France. Private First Class McClaren was engaged with his platoon in an attack on a strong enemy position in the face of extremely heavy rifle, machine gun, and mortar fire when the platoon came under heavy machine gun fire from the rear, threatening to cut it off from the remainder of the company and its supporting fire. Acting instantly without orders, and alone, Private First Class McClaren, armed with an automatic rifle, moved back more than 100 yards under fire with sparse cover and single-handedly silenced the machine gun, killing the gunner and assistant gunner and wounding two other members of the crew. By his prompt and effective action, Private First Class McClaren inspired the men of his unit, and rendered material aid to the successful accomplishment of the unit’s mission. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.